10 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Finger Lakes This Summer
Waterfalls. World-class wineries. Crystal-clear lakes. Charming small towns. Summer is when New York's Finger Lakes truly shines. Whether you're planning a long weekend or an extended vacation, these are the ten experiences that define a Finger Lakes summer.
Why Summer is a great Time to Visit the Finger Lakes
There's a reason travelers return to the Finger Lakes every summer.
The region's eleven glacial lakes come alive with boaters, paddlers, swimmers, and sunset chasers. Vineyards are lush and green, wineries open their patios overlooking the water, waterfalls flow at their fullest, and every small town seems to host a farmers market, concert, or local festival.
The best part? You don't have to choose between outdoor adventure and relaxation. One day you can hike through a dramatic gorge, sip award-winning Riesling overlooking Seneca Lake, browse boutiques in a historic village, and finish with dinner beside the water as the sun sets.
Best Things to Do in the Finger Lakes in the Summer
1. Hike the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park
If there's one place that belongs on every Finger Lakes itinerary, it's Watkins Glen State Park.
The park's famous Gorge Trail winds nearly two miles through a breathtaking canyon carved over thousands of years by Glen Creek. Along the way you'll pass 19 waterfalls, climb historic stone staircases, cross elegant bridges, and even walk behind the curtain of Rainbow Falls—one of the most photographed spots in New York.
Every turn reveals another dramatic view, making Watkins Glen one of the most spectacular hikes in the Northeast.
Plan 2–3 hours for the full Gorge Trail. Be sure to wear shoes with good traction, the stone steps can be slippery. Arrive before 9 a.m. in summer to avoid crowds.
If you're only visiting one natural attraction in the Finger Lakes, this should be it.
2. Spend a Day Touring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The Finger Lakes has quietly become one of America's premier wine regions, and nowhere showcases it better than the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Stretching around the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, the trail connects dozens of award-winning wineries overlooking rolling vineyards and sparkling lake views. While the region is internationally known for producing exceptional Riesling, you'll also discover outstanding Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines.
Rather than rushing from winery to winery, slow down and enjoy the experience.
A perfect summer itinerary might include a leisurely morning tasting, lunch overlooking the lake, an afternoon at two or three boutique wineries, and a relaxing sunset with a glass of wine on an outdoor patio.
Many visitors choose guided transportation so everyone can enjoy the day safely, while others create their own self-guided route with a designated driver.
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about Finger Lakes wine country, spending a day around Seneca Lake is one of the region's signature summer experiences.
3. Spend the Perfect Day on Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake captures everything people imagine when they picture a Finger Lakes summer.
The water is remarkably clear, the surrounding hills are lined with homes and vineyards, and the northern shoreline is anchored by one of the region's most vibrant downtowns.
Begin your day with coffee downtown before heading to Kershaw Park for a walk along the waterfront. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat and spend the afternoon exploring the lake. Stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, browse local boutiques, then grab ice cream before watching sailboats drift across the water as the sun begins to set.
It's the kind of place where one relaxing afternoon often turns into an annual tradition.
4. Stand Beneath Taughannock Falls
Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that Taughannock Falls is actually taller than Niagara Falls.
Plunging 215 feet into a dramatic gorge near Cayuga Lake, the waterfall is one of New York's most impressive natural landmarks.
The easy, mostly flat trail to the base makes it accessible for nearly everyone, while the overlook offers a panoramic perspective that's equally breathtaking.
Pack a picnic, explore nearby Cayuga Lake, and take your time—this is one destination that rewards slowing down.
5. Spend an Afternoon Exploring Skaneateles
Few villages capture the charm of the Finger Lakes quite like Skaneateles.
Its historic downtown is filled with boutique shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants, all within walking distance of one of the cleanest lakes in the country.
Stroll along the pier, browse locally owned shops, enjoy lunch overlooking the water, or simply sit on a bench and watch boats glide across the lake.
Skaneateles isn't about checking attractions off a list—it's about enjoying the slower pace that makes the Finger Lakes so memorable.
6. Discover Robert H. Treman State Park
While Watkins Glen gets much of the attention, Robert H. Treman State Park is every bit as rewarding.
The Gorge Trail follows Enfield Creek through dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and stone staircases before reaching the spectacular Lucifer Falls.
During summer, the park's natural swimming area beneath the lower falls becomes one of the most popular places to cool off after a hike.
If you love waterfalls but want a slightly less crowded experience, Treman belongs on your itinerary.
7. Drive the Scenic Loop Around Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake's distinctive Y-shaped shoreline creates one of the most scenic drives in New York.
The route winds past vineyards, overlooks, wineries, orchards, and charming villages, offering countless reasons to pull over.
Spend time exploring Hammondsport, stop at Bluff Point for panoramic lake views, and enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the vineyards.
This is the kind of drive where the journey is every bit as enjoyable as the destination.
8. Explore Naples and Hike Grimes Glen
Nestled at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is one of the Finger Lakes' hidden gems.
The village is known for its wineries, rolling hills, and welcoming small-town atmosphere, but the real adventure begins at nearby Grimes Glen.
Unlike most hiking trails, Grimes Glen invites visitors to walk directly through the creek, leading to beautiful waterfalls tucked inside the gorge.
Bring water shoes, expect to get your feet wet, and embrace the adventure.
Afterward, reward yourself with lunch, a local winery visit, or a stop at one of Naples' charming cafés.
9. Watch a Finger Lakes Sunset
Some of the best moments in the Finger Lakes happen when you aren't rushing anywhere.
As evening approaches, find a quiet dock, a lakeside park, or a hillside overlook and simply watch the light change across the water.
Canandaigua, Seneca, Keuka, and Skaneateles Lakes all offer spectacular sunsets, with calm summer evenings creating reflections that seem almost unreal.
Bring a blanket, your favorite drink, and someone you enjoy spending time with.
You'll understand why so many visitors fall in love with this region.
10. Embrace the Finger Lakes Lifestyle
The greatest experience in the Finger Lakes isn't a specific attraction.
It's the feeling.
It's waking up to morning mist drifting across the lake.
It's buying fresh peaches at a roadside farm stand.
It's sharing a bottle of local Riesling on a winery patio.
It's taking the scenic road because you're in no hurry to arrive.
The Finger Lakes has a way of encouraging you to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the simple moments. Long after you've forgotten exactly which wineries you visited or which trail you hiked, you'll remember how this place made you feel.
And that's why so many visitors come back every summer.
Ready to Experience the Finger Lakes Like a Local?
There's a reason people return to the Finger Lakes year after year—but the best experiences aren't always the ones you'll find in a quick internet search.
As locals, we know where to find the hidden gems, scenic back roads, unforgettable lake views, incredible wineries, family favorites, and small-town treasures that make this region so special. We'd love to help you experience the Finger Lakes the way we do.
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